Treatment of Combined Dairy and Domestic Wastewater with Constructed Wetland System in Sicily (Italy). Pollutant Removal Efficiency and Effect of Vegetation

Dairy wastewater (DWW) contains large amounts of mineral and organic compounds, which can accumulate in soil water causing serious environmental pollution. A constructed wetland (CW) is a sustainable technology for the treatment DWW small-medium sized farms. This paper reports two-year study on performance pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow system Sicily (Italy). The CW covered total surface area 100 m2 treated approximately 6 m3 per day produced by small dairy farm, subsequent to biological treatment. Removal efficiency (RE) was calculated. biomass production two emergent macrophytes determined effect plant growth pollutant RE recorded. All parameters showed significant differences between inlet outlet. For BOD5 COD, values were 76.00% 62.00%, respectively. nitrogen (50.70%) lower than that compounds. levels microbiological found be higher 80.00%. Giant reed greater umbrella sedge. seasonal variation pollutants recorded due rate Our findings highlight efficient use dairy-cattle